Description
A vibrant, creamy cucumber salad inspired by jalapeno poppers—crunchy Persian cucumbers tossed with a rich, tangy dressing spiced with jalapeno heat, sharp cheddar, and aromatic smoked paprika.
Ingredients
2 Persian cucumbers
½ red onion
1 jalapeno
3–4 tablespoons cream cheese (preferably herb-flavored)
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
⅓ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt
3–4 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese
¼ teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
Black and white sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the unpeeled cucumbers into ½ cm (¼ inch) thick rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife, and place them in a mixing bowl or jar.
- Dice the red onion and jalapeno, then add them on top of the cucumbers.
- Add the cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and sharp cheddar cheese. Drizzle with soy sauce if using.
- Toss everything well in the bowl until evenly coated. If using a jar, seal the lid and shake it until the dressing coats all the ingredients.
- Transfer the salad onto a serving plate and garnish with black and white sesame seeds. Serve cold.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a protein-packed version.
- Mix in chopped green onions or fresh dill for added freshness.
- Replace cheddar with feta, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.
- Use ranch seasoning or mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeno or removing the seeds for a milder taste.
- Swap soy sauce for a splash of lime juice or balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Add chopped bacon for a smoky crunch.
- Include cherry tomatoes or avocado chunks for added texture.
- Use English cucumbers if Persian cucumbers aren’t available.
- Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top for a crunchy finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
